Latest News & Analysis

Read Dr Jo Twist OBE's full speech at Beyond the Music 2026 below:British Music: Going for GrowthGood morning, I’m Dr Jo Twist, chief executive of UK record labels association the BPI – one of the founding members of Beyond the Music.It’s a pleasure to be with you today in Manchester. This is a true music city, one which has shaped our culture and been home to some of the UK’s most beloved artists

Robbie Williams – the most decorated artist in BRIT Awards history (18 awards including BRIT Icon) and in the UK’s Official Charts (16 No.1 albums) – is the latest superstar artist to be announced as an Album Champion for National Album Day on 17th October, which this year has taken as its theme, “Icons”.In recognition of his exceptional achievements as an albums artist, Robbie’s ambassadorial rol

Exclusive titles from artists including: ANNE AKIKO MEYERS, ANNIE LENNOX, ARETHA FRANKLIN, BILLY BRAGG, BILLY JOEL, BOB DYLAN, BRUCE DICKINSON, BRYAN FERRY, DIRE STRAITS, DONNA SUMMER, ELBOW, EMELI SANDE, GEORGE MICHAEL, GOLDIE, INXS, JOHNNY CASH, NEW ORDER, NINA SIMONE, PARIS PALOMA, PINK FLOYD, THE PRETENDERS, PULP, SADE, SIMPLY RED, STATUS QUO, SUEDE, T. REX, THE DAMNED, THE VELVET UNDERGROUND,

Ahead of its return on 17th October – this year celebrating the theme of “Icons” – National Album Day is honoured to announce the award-winning singer-songwriter and pop-phenomenon Melanie C as its latest Album Champion to come on board as an advocate for the cultural importance of the album format. She joins the previously announced Album Champions PinkPantheress and Max Richter CBE.A British ico

The British Music Embassy (BME) today announces a two-night music showcase at SXSW London 2026, taking place at Devonshire Square (DSQ) from 7-11pm on Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd June 2026. The British Music Embassy in London is a collaboration between the Department for Business & Trade (DBT), music licensing companies PPL and PRS for Music, UK record labels association the BPI (British Phonogr

This year’s theme celebrates artist “Icons” PinkPantheress and Max Richter first Album Champions to be announcedBacked by Official Supporters Cherry Red, DP World, Official Charts, PPL, Proper, Trapeze, and the wider label and retail communitiesNational Album Day returns on Saturday 17th October 2026 with this year’s theme celebrating music “Icons” – encompassing legendary, cultural and contempora

BPI announces the latest in its series of Insight Sessions in association with Bowers & WilkinsWith special guest speaker, Sarah Boorman, General Manager Youth Strategy, Universal Music Group UK – and panelists from Beano Brain, SuperAwesome, Yoto, Young VoicesThe BPI, the representative voice for the UK’s world-leading record companies and label businesses, today announces the latest in its serie

Nineteenth edition of SXSW’s official UK musical presence saw over 60 of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists perform across ten showcases in seven daysWest LDN Carnival on Sixth paid homage to London’s Notting Hill Carnival with a vibrant showcase featuring DJAG, Rampage Sound, Kairo Keyz and more Northern Sound showcases platformed artists from the North of the UK, with Wales and other UK reg

Cementing its status as a world capital of music alongside New York, the city and surrounding region ‘brings Glastonbury home’ during the famous festival’s year offLaunching in May 2026, live performances, cultural events and community activity take place throughout spring and summerAll images © Sound City Liverpool Music Month – May 2026Part of Liverpool Summer Of Music 2026Twinned with New York

The British Music Embassy reveals Austin SXSW line-up with performances from 58 of the UK’s most exciting new and emerging breakthrough artistsArtists including DJ AG, MEEK, Mae Muller, Adult DVD and Sofia And The Antoinettes will take to the BME at SXSW Austin for 10 showcases across 7 daysFor the first time, London’s carnival spirit will be celebrated through a dedicated showcase inspired by Not

The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard today shares details of a bold, citywide cultural programme as the countdown continues to the biggest night in British music. The excitement is palpable across the city and wider North West region as it gears up to celebrate the BRITs’ debut show in its new Manchester home, the Co-op Live, on Saturday 28th February, when the world’s biggest stars arrive for a j

BPI will return to Liverpool for the second consecutive year to host its flagship In Tune With Tomorrow event as part of the Sound City+ conference on Friday 1 May 2026.Building on last year’s successful debut, the BPI is expanding its presence with a comprehensive programme of keynote sessions, expert panels and structured networking opportunities. The initiative is designed to connect senior lea

BPI hosted a successful drop-in event in the UK Parliament to celebrate the latest iteration of its music and tech business support programme ‘GrowMusic’. Participating SMEs showcased their products and ideas to politicians and policymakers, who were able to engage with interactive demo-stands.  Guests, including Members of Parliament and Members of the House of Lords, learned about the innovative

New figures have shown the region’s economy received a boost of more than £1.4 million by hosting the 2025 Mercury Prize.A new report commissioned and published by Newcastle City Council has highlighted the huge impact the awards ceremony and fringe activity had on the city and the wider region.Local hero Sam Fender took home the top prize at the prestigious ceremony at the Utilita Arena on Octobe

In a first for The BRIT Awards, details were announced today for BRITs Fringe, a programme of engagement taking place across Manchester ahead of this year’s event. Also announced was Bring on the BRITs with Mastercard: The 2026 Nominations, a livestream exclusively hosted on the BRITs’ Instagram and Facebook from 5pm on Wednesday 21st January.Created to amplify and extend the impact of The BRITs,

Fans can sign up to the War Child pre-sale HERE (Pre-sale sign-up closes 3pm Wednesday 14th Jan. Pre-sale begins 10am Thursday, 15th January)General on-sale begins at 10am on Friday 16th January HERE £10 prize draws to win tickets to all shows are now open HERE Today, BRITs Week 26 for War Child, delivered by DHL, announces its initial lineup for 2026 and with shows in more UK cities than ever bef

The BRIT Awards with Mastercard today announces that internationally acclaimed British designer Matthew Williamson is the creative force behind the 2026 trophy. Inspired by his Manchester roots and the city’s famous drive and resilience, the trophy is amber toned resin - resembling the golden honey of a worker bee, the city’s mascot - atop a globe representing the worldwide reach of British music.

Following the exciting news earlier this summer that The BRIT Awards with Mastercard will leave the capital for the very first time in nearly five decades, and move to a new home in Manchester for 2026 and 2027, organisers today reveal the first details of next year's ceremony as plans for 2026 start to take shape, and a new era for the UK’s biggest night in music beckons.Stacey Tang, Co-President

Sam Fender was announced tonight, Thursday 16th October, as the overall winner of the 2025 Mercury Prize for his album ‘People Watching’.Broadcaster Lauren Laverne hosted the 2025 Mercury Prize ‘Albums of The Year’ ceremony live from Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, marking the first time the prestigious awards show has been held outside of London. A delighted Sam Fender received the trophy from Broadca

This October, the Mercury Prize moves beyond London for the first time ever, as plans were revealed today on how the Prize will make its mark on host city Newcastle. The move to Newcastle, in partnership with Newcastle City Council and The North East Combined Authority, signals a new dawn for the prestigious Prize, with the October Award Show always a fantastic night celebrating the best British a